Legendary boxer had a big punch and a big heart

Tributes are flowing on the north coast for legendary Australian boxer, Lionel Rose, who died at 62.

Rose died at his home in Victoria's east yesterday.

He made Australian sporting history in 1968 when he became the first indigenous boxer to win a world championship.

Rose had 53 fights for 42 wins.

Professional boxing judge and referee, John Wright of Lennox Head, knew the boxing legend well.

Mr Wright says Lional Rose was a great athlete, and also a man with a generous spirit.

"He was the first one in line. I ran a lot of things for kids' charities and I remember I rang him once to come to Ballina and he could not get on the plane quick enough to get up here," Mr Wright said.

"So he was that sort of a person, if there was anything for charity going around, he would be the first one to put his hand up," he said.